The Picture of Dorian Gray, the only novel published by Oscar Wilde, is the second work of Wilde's that I have read this year. As with most of these books, this author and title was recommended by a friend of mine and, again, failed to disappoint.
The plot follows a young, dashing fellow (Dorian Gray) and his relationship with artist Basil Hallward and socialite Lord Henry Wotton. Basil becomes infatuated with Gray as a art subject for his youth and beauty and credits Dorian for inspiring Basil's greatest work of art, a portrait of Gray. Lord Henry introduces Dorian to a hedonistic worldview promoting beauty and the enjoyment of life, saying that it should be enjoyed while available as it is fleeting.
The portrait of Gray shows the young man's incredible beauty and causes himself to become in love with himself and his looks, and he makes the remark how he wish the picture would age rather his true self. As he adopts Lord Henry's life perspective, his innocence and virtue decays through a number of horrific acts. His wish for the painting so happens to come true and serves as a constant reminder his depravity.
Not since Crime and Punishment have I read a book or author that speaks so clearly and accurately of human nature. Thanks to Wilde's clever and witty writing, the book is filled with familiar quotes and one-liners about love, women, art, and the human race. The layout of the story, the themes, natures of the characters, and writing style make it a classic in every way imaginable. Hope you enjoy!
This will most likely be the last post of 2010 and it is unclear if I'll continue into the new year. Thanks so much to those who have read this periodically. Remember Mark Twain: "The man who does not read good books has no advantage over those who don't"!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Me Talk Pretty One Day - David Sedaris
You simply must read this guy... I enjoyed Squirrel Meets Chipmunk so much and have recently come across several articles, interviews, and podcasts he is involved in that I picked this up, upon the recommendation of a friend. I think his pointed writing and humorous writing is as good as it gets. This book is a compilation of short stories and essays recounting his childhood and family and experiences living in New York and Paris.. I read this on a couple of flights and spent most of my time covering my mouth to avoid stares from the guy next to me. If you read this and don't like it, please don't tell me because I'd like to think I don't know anyone who wouldn't choke on their coffee reading this.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Sedaris, Nicholson, Godin
Welcome back! It has been a while and, although I haven't written in a while, I have continued reading. I am fortunate enough to have some really well-read, intelligent friends who suggested a couple of great reads.
Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk - David Sedaris
This immediately became one of my favorite books that I have read this year. Sedaris is a mastermind storyteller and in this book he takes ordinary life situations and tells them with animals as the main characters in several short stories. The writing is amazingly clever and approachable and, at times, hilariously crude. The author purposefully chooses certain animals that we have existing associations and pre-conceived notions of, which drives home the point of his stories all the more. Definitely check out this book!
The Elephant Keeper - Christopher Nicholson
I didn't love this book when I started it, while I was reading it, or even when I finished it, but a couple weeks after finishing, I like it the more I think about it. The story follows the relationship of a boy who looks after and takes care of two elephants in England set in the 18th century. Even when on the last page of the book, I wasn't sure what the point of the past 300 pages had been although the story is legitimately enjoyable to read. By the end of the book, the author does a impressive job of making you question everything you read, assumed, and believed about the story and implants a lot of doubt about the entire book - which I really like. It reminded me a lot of Life of Pi, although I think Yann Martel did a better job of storytelling and getting a similar point across.
Linchpins by Seth Godin
In a previous blog, I mentioned how I don't like self-help, motivational books that much, but I've had good luck with the past couple I have read so maybe my opinion is changing. This book talks about the importance of being irreplaceable in a job, organization, etc, changing your approach on how and where you look for a job, and re-inventing the idea of employment. I wish I had read this book a year ago coming out of graduate school, but believe the timing right now couldn't be better as I make the transition to Washington, DC and, hopefully, Denver within the next year. Several "sound bites" and catch phrases from the book are memorable and practical in any job you are in now and helping you transition to where you would really like to be. It is one of the better motivational books I have read and has certainly changed my thinking on my career. Thanks Fief!
Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk - David Sedaris
This immediately became one of my favorite books that I have read this year. Sedaris is a mastermind storyteller and in this book he takes ordinary life situations and tells them with animals as the main characters in several short stories. The writing is amazingly clever and approachable and, at times, hilariously crude. The author purposefully chooses certain animals that we have existing associations and pre-conceived notions of, which drives home the point of his stories all the more. Definitely check out this book!
The Elephant Keeper - Christopher Nicholson
I didn't love this book when I started it, while I was reading it, or even when I finished it, but a couple weeks after finishing, I like it the more I think about it. The story follows the relationship of a boy who looks after and takes care of two elephants in England set in the 18th century. Even when on the last page of the book, I wasn't sure what the point of the past 300 pages had been although the story is legitimately enjoyable to read. By the end of the book, the author does a impressive job of making you question everything you read, assumed, and believed about the story and implants a lot of doubt about the entire book - which I really like. It reminded me a lot of Life of Pi, although I think Yann Martel did a better job of storytelling and getting a similar point across.
Linchpins by Seth Godin
In a previous blog, I mentioned how I don't like self-help, motivational books that much, but I've had good luck with the past couple I have read so maybe my opinion is changing. This book talks about the importance of being irreplaceable in a job, organization, etc, changing your approach on how and where you look for a job, and re-inventing the idea of employment. I wish I had read this book a year ago coming out of graduate school, but believe the timing right now couldn't be better as I make the transition to Washington, DC and, hopefully, Denver within the next year. Several "sound bites" and catch phrases from the book are memorable and practical in any job you are in now and helping you transition to where you would really like to be. It is one of the better motivational books I have read and has certainly changed my thinking on my career. Thanks Fief!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Hersey and McCarthy
Hiroshima by John Hersey
It doesn't quite feel right to describe this as a "good book" because of the subject that it deals with in harsh details, but it certainly is captivating. Hersey's journalistic approach presents the stories of five people who were in Hiroshima when the atomic bomb was dropped on Japan. He recounts where they were, their struggle in the days, weeks, and months following the attack, and, in an updated version of the book, revisits his characters forty years after to summarize how the rest of their lives played out.
It is a sobering account of the lives of people who lived through certain hell and told with such vivid description. Some of the characters lives are truly ruined by the event while others show an unprecedented triumph of the human spirit. It is an incredibly up-close, ugly picture of that kind of war, but one that should be understood.
Remainder by Tom McCarthy
This is probably one of the strangest books I've read, but it has a great hook at the beginning and finishes well at the end, the middle was a little sluggish - perhaps intentionally.
The story follows a man who was injured in a mysterious accident and receives a huge financial settlement as compensation. As he deliberates on what to spend this money on, he has this lightbulb-above-the-head moment, a certain clarity of what he wants to do with his money. He begins to re-enact places and events in his life. For example, his first re-enactment is this apartment complex with a lady below him who cooks liver and a pianist practicing a piece of music over and over. He re-creates this using actors and props to simulate the smell of the liver wafting through his window and the sound of the piano up through the floor boards. He goes on to re-enact an event in a tire shop, murders on the street, and a bank robbery. The attention to detail and small seemingly insignificant things is obsessive.
The writing and commentary is sharp and biting, but I didn't find it quite as smart as, say, Chuck Palahniuk in Fight Club or Survivor - but it has that sort of tone. I really enjoyed this and, if nothing else, it's certainly different than anything else you are likely to read. I think it has really interesting things to say about happiness and the memory of happiness.
It doesn't quite feel right to describe this as a "good book" because of the subject that it deals with in harsh details, but it certainly is captivating. Hersey's journalistic approach presents the stories of five people who were in Hiroshima when the atomic bomb was dropped on Japan. He recounts where they were, their struggle in the days, weeks, and months following the attack, and, in an updated version of the book, revisits his characters forty years after to summarize how the rest of their lives played out.
It is a sobering account of the lives of people who lived through certain hell and told with such vivid description. Some of the characters lives are truly ruined by the event while others show an unprecedented triumph of the human spirit. It is an incredibly up-close, ugly picture of that kind of war, but one that should be understood.
Remainder by Tom McCarthy
This is probably one of the strangest books I've read, but it has a great hook at the beginning and finishes well at the end, the middle was a little sluggish - perhaps intentionally.
The story follows a man who was injured in a mysterious accident and receives a huge financial settlement as compensation. As he deliberates on what to spend this money on, he has this lightbulb-above-the-head moment, a certain clarity of what he wants to do with his money. He begins to re-enact places and events in his life. For example, his first re-enactment is this apartment complex with a lady below him who cooks liver and a pianist practicing a piece of music over and over. He re-creates this using actors and props to simulate the smell of the liver wafting through his window and the sound of the piano up through the floor boards. He goes on to re-enact an event in a tire shop, murders on the street, and a bank robbery. The attention to detail and small seemingly insignificant things is obsessive.
The writing and commentary is sharp and biting, but I didn't find it quite as smart as, say, Chuck Palahniuk in Fight Club or Survivor - but it has that sort of tone. I really enjoyed this and, if nothing else, it's certainly different than anything else you are likely to read. I think it has really interesting things to say about happiness and the memory of happiness.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
The Sun Also Rises by Hemingway
I'm really not sure what to write to convince you to read this book. I absolutely adore Hemingway and this book is right behind Farewell to Arms as my favorite one of his books. The story begins in France and features Jake Barnes, as the protagonist, with his friends on their experience of the fiestas, running of the bulls, and bullfighting in Spain.
To me, it might be the quintessential Hemingway novel, capturing everything that immediately comes to mind when I think of his stories - likable but tortured main characters, unrequited love, wine, and bullfighting. I find Lady Ashley one of the most memorable female characters in his books--although I despising her throughout most of it. She is very alive and Hemingway does such a good job of creating characters that the reader knows and identifies with. It's almost as if you could put people you know in the cast to play out the story. The Sun Also Rises and The Great Gatsby were both written around the same time and attempt to capture the essence of the "Lost Generation" following WWI.
Someone told me this week that they were afraid that I had an inclination to melancholy art -- depressing songs, sad books, heartbreaking movies. I started thinking about that and why that might be true. I remember having such a strong connection with Farewell to Arms, which is the saddest story I've read, but I was so invested in the story that I specifically recall the feeling I had when I finished it. Timing is everything when it comes to those things - sometimes you read a book, watch a movie, or listed to a song at the right time, and no matter how dark it is, you are still able to take comfort in identifying with it and are able to find some joy in it.
I had read The Sun Also Rises before and I remember not connecting with it or loving it. This second time around was really good timing.
Read this book. Read it every year. It really is that good - I'll name it as my favorite of 2010 thus far.
To me, it might be the quintessential Hemingway novel, capturing everything that immediately comes to mind when I think of his stories - likable but tortured main characters, unrequited love, wine, and bullfighting. I find Lady Ashley one of the most memorable female characters in his books--although I despising her throughout most of it. She is very alive and Hemingway does such a good job of creating characters that the reader knows and identifies with. It's almost as if you could put people you know in the cast to play out the story. The Sun Also Rises and The Great Gatsby were both written around the same time and attempt to capture the essence of the "Lost Generation" following WWI.
Someone told me this week that they were afraid that I had an inclination to melancholy art -- depressing songs, sad books, heartbreaking movies. I started thinking about that and why that might be true. I remember having such a strong connection with Farewell to Arms, which is the saddest story I've read, but I was so invested in the story that I specifically recall the feeling I had when I finished it. Timing is everything when it comes to those things - sometimes you read a book, watch a movie, or listed to a song at the right time, and no matter how dark it is, you are still able to take comfort in identifying with it and are able to find some joy in it.
I had read The Sun Also Rises before and I remember not connecting with it or loving it. This second time around was really good timing.
Read this book. Read it every year. It really is that good - I'll name it as my favorite of 2010 thus far.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
We by Yevgeny Zamyatin
A dystopian novel inspired on the Russian revolutions in 1905 and 1917 with similar themes in other such books like 1984, Brave New World, and Anthem. I felt like this books rings a bit more true than those books since the author lived in a repressive society, but who knows.
It follows the story of a mathematician named D-503 and his girlfriend, O-90, and a woman he becomes infatuated with, I-330. I-330 is completely counter-cultural to The One State and D-503 discovers her plan to overthrow the totalitarian society. D-503 begins to have dreams and explore his imagination - both of which The One State portrays as mental illnesses, which can be fixed by "The Great Operation" - a lobotomy.
I found the book pretty difficult to read and follow in certain parts and had to re-read chapters a few times to make sure I was keeping up with the story. As far as the writing goes, it's pretty clever. D-503, as a mathematician, describes everything he experiences - sex, food, objects - in mathematical terms, showing how his job and duty to The One State is the most important facet of his life. As he interacts more with I-330, he begins to describe experiences less quantitatively and more subjectively and romantically, which I thought was a really well-written part of the book in order to show D-503's change in thinking and the influence of I-330 on D-503's psychology. I really enjoy these dystopian novels, but I think I enjoyed the ending of this one the most.
It follows the story of a mathematician named D-503 and his girlfriend, O-90, and a woman he becomes infatuated with, I-330. I-330 is completely counter-cultural to The One State and D-503 discovers her plan to overthrow the totalitarian society. D-503 begins to have dreams and explore his imagination - both of which The One State portrays as mental illnesses, which can be fixed by "The Great Operation" - a lobotomy.
I found the book pretty difficult to read and follow in certain parts and had to re-read chapters a few times to make sure I was keeping up with the story. As far as the writing goes, it's pretty clever. D-503, as a mathematician, describes everything he experiences - sex, food, objects - in mathematical terms, showing how his job and duty to The One State is the most important facet of his life. As he interacts more with I-330, he begins to describe experiences less quantitatively and more subjectively and romantically, which I thought was a really well-written part of the book in order to show D-503's change in thinking and the influence of I-330 on D-503's psychology. I really enjoy these dystopian novels, but I think I enjoyed the ending of this one the most.
Friday, September 24, 2010
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
I'm assuming most of you are familiar with this book as it is a staple in high school and college literature classes. That being true, I don't feel the need to recount much of the story or plot.
The book is great...one of my favorites I've read. I love the books that come out of this era from Fitzgerald, Hemingway, etc. The writing is perfect.
The book is great...one of my favorites I've read. I love the books that come out of this era from Fitzgerald, Hemingway, etc. The writing is perfect.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
The Tenth Parallel by Eliza Griswold
I was introduced to this book through a Fresh Air Interview on NPR with the author. The Tenth Parallel refers to the line of latitude dividing Christianity and Islam in several African and Southeast Asian countries. The book examines the political, social, and economic clashes along this line between the two major religions.
To me the most interesting part of the book was Griswold's account of accompanying Franklin Graham, son of the Rev. Billy Graham and founder of the humanitarian relief organization Samaritan's Purse, on a visit to Sudan to meet with President Omar al-Bashir. According to Griswold, Graham was, unfortunately, seen as a representative for all of America and Christianity. Graham and Bashir (who is Muslim) spent most of their time trying to convert the other to their own religion. Another interesting aspect of the book explored the role of influential Christians in the formation of US foreign policy, which has been perceived as using US global prominence as an extended evangelistic took. Some may debate the validity of that, but it is worth considering.
The other valuable aspect of the book is exploring Muslim societies in Africa and Asia rather than the Middle East. This helps paint Islam as a global religion and not exclusive to a few ME countries, especially Indonesia--the most populous Islamic country. I appreciated the author maintaining an unbiased opinion in reporting on the two religions and she does a commendable job of showing the positives (social justice and humanitarian work) and negatives (religious/politically fueled killing and wars) initiated by Christianity and Islam.
The overall impression I left with from the book is that the conflict between the two religions in Sudan, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines is more driven by political and economic issues rather than religious disagreements. That may or may not be true.
For a much better introduction to the book than this review, visit NPR's website with the interview. I'll admit this isn't the most interesting book I've read and can be historically dense at times, it is certainly relevant and helpful to gain a proper global understanding of the two religions.
To me the most interesting part of the book was Griswold's account of accompanying Franklin Graham, son of the Rev. Billy Graham and founder of the humanitarian relief organization Samaritan's Purse, on a visit to Sudan to meet with President Omar al-Bashir. According to Griswold, Graham was, unfortunately, seen as a representative for all of America and Christianity. Graham and Bashir (who is Muslim) spent most of their time trying to convert the other to their own religion. Another interesting aspect of the book explored the role of influential Christians in the formation of US foreign policy, which has been perceived as using US global prominence as an extended evangelistic took. Some may debate the validity of that, but it is worth considering.
The other valuable aspect of the book is exploring Muslim societies in Africa and Asia rather than the Middle East. This helps paint Islam as a global religion and not exclusive to a few ME countries, especially Indonesia--the most populous Islamic country. I appreciated the author maintaining an unbiased opinion in reporting on the two religions and she does a commendable job of showing the positives (social justice and humanitarian work) and negatives (religious/politically fueled killing and wars) initiated by Christianity and Islam.
The overall impression I left with from the book is that the conflict between the two religions in Sudan, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines is more driven by political and economic issues rather than religious disagreements. That may or may not be true.
For a much better introduction to the book than this review, visit NPR's website with the interview. I'll admit this isn't the most interesting book I've read and can be historically dense at times, it is certainly relevant and helpful to gain a proper global understanding of the two religions.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Blind Descent by James Tabor
A fascinating book recounting the exploration for the deepest cave in the world - a race for discovery between two world class explorers in caves in Mexico and the Republic of Georgia. The story is relatively recent (within the past ten years) but somehow failed to gain much media attention. The author compares the discovery of the deepest cave in the world as climbing Mt. Everest in reverse.
The conditions of this search were beyond belief. The teams would spend more than four weeks underground in utter darkness and being constantly wet. The book spends much of the time describing cave diving in which the cave would seemingly end at a massive lake. The explorers would then utilize scuba equipment to try to find a passage that extended the cave.
Despite adventurous story and incredible discovery, I felt like the book was poorly written. The author repeats metaphors and phrases over and over again, not to mention several typos that are present in the published editions. Still, it was an enjoyable read about a completely different world than I imagined underground.
The conditions of this search were beyond belief. The teams would spend more than four weeks underground in utter darkness and being constantly wet. The book spends much of the time describing cave diving in which the cave would seemingly end at a massive lake. The explorers would then utilize scuba equipment to try to find a passage that extended the cave.
Despite adventurous story and incredible discovery, I felt like the book was poorly written. The author repeats metaphors and phrases over and over again, not to mention several typos that are present in the published editions. Still, it was an enjoyable read about a completely different world than I imagined underground.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Nobody's Angel by Jack Clark
I heard about this book during an interview with the author, Jack Clark, on NPR. Clark a long-time cab driver in Chicago takes his experience to write a crime novel that is pretty entertaining.
The premise of the book is a cab driver is trying to solve two murders - one that he witnessed and one of his friend and fellow cab driver.
The writing is fine - nothing too impressive, it reads quite realistically and as I imagine how conversations in a cab often take place. The story is entertaining but nothing terribly surprising. It's a quick read and an enjoyable read for the most part. I think I found the interview with Jack Clark (which is on NPR's website) more intriguing than the book.
The premise of the book is a cab driver is trying to solve two murders - one that he witnessed and one of his friend and fellow cab driver.
The writing is fine - nothing too impressive, it reads quite realistically and as I imagine how conversations in a cab often take place. The story is entertaining but nothing terribly surprising. It's a quick read and an enjoyable read for the most part. I think I found the interview with Jack Clark (which is on NPR's website) more intriguing than the book.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Half the Sky by Kristof and WuDunn
Half the Sky, written by New York Times columnists Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, talks about the oppression of women - especially through sexual crimes - and their importance in the development of an economy and of a society. At times, it can be pretty difficult to read due to the heart-wrenching stories of gruesome sexual abuse of young girls in brothels or by family members. However, despite the honest brutality of the book, I think it is an important book to read and to be aware of.
I recently completed graduate work in international economic development, but I'll be the first one to admit that solving a country's poverty issues is quite ambitious, not to mention incredibly difficult. As I finished my higher education, I came to the realization that I was very aware of the complicated issues of poverty but still had a lot of questions about how to address those problems and come up with probable solutions. Certainly all the answers aren't present in this book, but it is a great starting point.
Promoting girls education and providing greater opportunities for women leads to a more democratic, open societies and taking advantage of the economic capabilities of half the population. Kristof cites China and other Asian countries who have expanded women involvement, rights, and freedoms in society that is correlated with strong economic growth. Unfortunately, many of the horrific stories of sexual abuse took place in Islamic countries. The authors do an admirable job of exploring the religious aspects and how religion plays a part in women rights -- including Islamic and Christianity.
This is an important book to read for someone who is interested in int. economic development, international affairs, or human rights and I think it is incredibly necessary to be aware of. Working for expanded girls education may be reap the most benefits of economic development and promoting peace in developing countries. There is a lot more to discuss about this book. Please read it for yourself and I would love the opportunity to talk to more people about this topic/book.
I recently completed graduate work in international economic development, but I'll be the first one to admit that solving a country's poverty issues is quite ambitious, not to mention incredibly difficult. As I finished my higher education, I came to the realization that I was very aware of the complicated issues of poverty but still had a lot of questions about how to address those problems and come up with probable solutions. Certainly all the answers aren't present in this book, but it is a great starting point.
Promoting girls education and providing greater opportunities for women leads to a more democratic, open societies and taking advantage of the economic capabilities of half the population. Kristof cites China and other Asian countries who have expanded women involvement, rights, and freedoms in society that is correlated with strong economic growth. Unfortunately, many of the horrific stories of sexual abuse took place in Islamic countries. The authors do an admirable job of exploring the religious aspects and how religion plays a part in women rights -- including Islamic and Christianity.
This is an important book to read for someone who is interested in int. economic development, international affairs, or human rights and I think it is incredibly necessary to be aware of. Working for expanded girls education may be reap the most benefits of economic development and promoting peace in developing countries. There is a lot more to discuss about this book. Please read it for yourself and I would love the opportunity to talk to more people about this topic/book.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Merton and Frey
Seeds by Thomas Merton
Although only 150 pages in length, I've been reading it for almost six months. This book is a collection of writings from Merton's other books, essays, etc on a number of spiritual topics selected and compiled into one work. I feel like this is a book that is best digested through slow, thoughtful, meditation of the topics being presented and the truth that it presents. There were periods of several weeks where I did not pick up the book, but rather continued to think over a certain idea introduced.
Throughout the entire book, Merton's writings consistently refer to our true vs false selves. Our false selves, which he compares to a mask, is "someone that I was never intended to be and therefore a denial of what I am supposed to be". Our truth selves, on the other hand, "are a deeply religious mystery, known entirely only to God." One of the things I love about Merton's writings is his embrace of the mysterious and deeply personal, private aspect of the spirituality of a person with God.
Take notice Merton's commentary on technology and man's dependence on it and how it, potentially, makes us less human. It is even more interesting considering that he died in 1968 and never saw the technological explosion of the recent decades.
I think I've gotten more encouragement out of Merton's writings than anything I've read over the past several years. This is a book that I will really never finish reading and will consistently read portions of it. I hope you get the chance to pick up this book and find it as enjoyable as I have.
A Million Little Pieces by James Frey
I suppose I was way behind the curve with this book because I had never heard of this book or the controversy surrounding it until this past week. My brother passed the book along to me and almost everyone I've talked to recently has heard of it.
In case you are in the same position as me, the book follows the 6 weeks in a rehab clinic of a 23 year old drug and alcohol addict. I found it pretty tough to read but impossible to put down. The book is brutally honest and open about the rehabilitation process and I found myself really pulling for the characters to recover.
The book was originally portrayed as entirely autobiographical account of James Frey's experience, but he later admitted to embellishing certain aspects of the book. It's probably better knowing that before you read the book and I didn't seem to mind the exaggerated portions. He explains the embellished details in the introduction and his intention behind them. I didn't find it to negate any of the message he is trying to get across, especially if you look at it as a piece of literature rather than a detailed account of someone's actual life.
Although only 150 pages in length, I've been reading it for almost six months. This book is a collection of writings from Merton's other books, essays, etc on a number of spiritual topics selected and compiled into one work. I feel like this is a book that is best digested through slow, thoughtful, meditation of the topics being presented and the truth that it presents. There were periods of several weeks where I did not pick up the book, but rather continued to think over a certain idea introduced.
Throughout the entire book, Merton's writings consistently refer to our true vs false selves. Our false selves, which he compares to a mask, is "someone that I was never intended to be and therefore a denial of what I am supposed to be". Our truth selves, on the other hand, "are a deeply religious mystery, known entirely only to God." One of the things I love about Merton's writings is his embrace of the mysterious and deeply personal, private aspect of the spirituality of a person with God.
Take notice Merton's commentary on technology and man's dependence on it and how it, potentially, makes us less human. It is even more interesting considering that he died in 1968 and never saw the technological explosion of the recent decades.
I think I've gotten more encouragement out of Merton's writings than anything I've read over the past several years. This is a book that I will really never finish reading and will consistently read portions of it. I hope you get the chance to pick up this book and find it as enjoyable as I have.
A Million Little Pieces by James Frey
I suppose I was way behind the curve with this book because I had never heard of this book or the controversy surrounding it until this past week. My brother passed the book along to me and almost everyone I've talked to recently has heard of it.
In case you are in the same position as me, the book follows the 6 weeks in a rehab clinic of a 23 year old drug and alcohol addict. I found it pretty tough to read but impossible to put down. The book is brutally honest and open about the rehabilitation process and I found myself really pulling for the characters to recover.
The book was originally portrayed as entirely autobiographical account of James Frey's experience, but he later admitted to embellishing certain aspects of the book. It's probably better knowing that before you read the book and I didn't seem to mind the exaggerated portions. He explains the embellished details in the introduction and his intention behind them. I didn't find it to negate any of the message he is trying to get across, especially if you look at it as a piece of literature rather than a detailed account of someone's actual life.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
Finally finished this book! This has been my reading project of the summer and am happy to have completed it.
The famous catch phrase of the book is "Who is John Galt?", which you may have seen on signs at Tea Party rallies. John Galt becomes portrayed as Rand's ideal man, who promised to stop the engine of the world and whose mission would be completed once the lights of New York City were extinguished. Galt considers the direction of the country a moral, social, and individual affront to his life and is determined to stop the continuation of policies--policies supposedly for the "social welfare" and impose highly regulated restrictions on industrial business. Galt, who remains a mystery most of the book, working behind the scenes, convinces each of the major industrialists to remove their mind, talent, and energy from society with the intention of eventually bringing the social changes to a halt.
Galt, however, is not the main protagonist in the book, but remains somewhat of an unknown ideal until the last 400 or 500 pages. The main character of Atlas Shrugged is Dagny Taggert, VP of Taggert Transcontinental Railroad, who although disagrees with the direction of the country struggles to completely dessert her love and life of managing the railroad.
I have yet to read a more relevant fiction book as far as modern day political economics. Ayn Rand economic views are unabashedly capitalistic with followers such as Alan Greenspan and Rand Paul (although according to a Time Magazine article on the KY senator hopeful there is no connection between the author's last time and the politician's first name). http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1992201,00.html - see page 2
Many people see a similarity in the extreme political and economic policies presented in Ms Rand's book as in today's society. This article talks about how sales for Atlas Shrugged increase when the economy tanks, especially with heavy government regulation. (www.cato-at-liberty.org/2009/05/18/what-caused-atlas-shrugged-sales-to-soar/). I certainly don't think that things today have come close to approach the policies that are presented in Rand's novel, but it provides for interesting economic literature.
Those who have read The Fountainhead, also by Rand, will find similar themes present in Atlas Shrugged but expounded upon. The Fountainhead deals with the themes on an individual level while Atlas Shrugged discusses those themes within a broader social context.
I don't know that I completely agree with Rand's philosophy of objectivism or her promotion of selfishness but she certainly makes an interesting case for her argument. And there are certainly some aspects of her philosophy, such as refusing to compromise one's values, that I can subscribe to.
All economic, social, and political commentary aside, Rand's character development is about as detailed as I've ever encountered. It's obvious she knows her characters inside and out and (for the most part) keeps them consistent throughout her novel. This book is certainly a commitment to read and the first 400 pages are pretty tough to wade through but they set up the remaining 700 pages quite nicely and they certainly read much more quickly. I personally think one should read Atlas Shrugged simply to be familiar with her argument and how it possibly relates to today's economy and politics - even, and especially, if you don't agree with it.
The famous catch phrase of the book is "Who is John Galt?", which you may have seen on signs at Tea Party rallies. John Galt becomes portrayed as Rand's ideal man, who promised to stop the engine of the world and whose mission would be completed once the lights of New York City were extinguished. Galt considers the direction of the country a moral, social, and individual affront to his life and is determined to stop the continuation of policies--policies supposedly for the "social welfare" and impose highly regulated restrictions on industrial business. Galt, who remains a mystery most of the book, working behind the scenes, convinces each of the major industrialists to remove their mind, talent, and energy from society with the intention of eventually bringing the social changes to a halt.
Galt, however, is not the main protagonist in the book, but remains somewhat of an unknown ideal until the last 400 or 500 pages. The main character of Atlas Shrugged is Dagny Taggert, VP of Taggert Transcontinental Railroad, who although disagrees with the direction of the country struggles to completely dessert her love and life of managing the railroad.
I have yet to read a more relevant fiction book as far as modern day political economics. Ayn Rand economic views are unabashedly capitalistic with followers such as Alan Greenspan and Rand Paul (although according to a Time Magazine article on the KY senator hopeful there is no connection between the author's last time and the politician's first name). http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1992201,00.html - see page 2
Many people see a similarity in the extreme political and economic policies presented in Ms Rand's book as in today's society. This article talks about how sales for Atlas Shrugged increase when the economy tanks, especially with heavy government regulation. (www.cato-at-liberty.org/2009/05/18/what-caused-atlas-shrugged-sales-to-soar/). I certainly don't think that things today have come close to approach the policies that are presented in Rand's novel, but it provides for interesting economic literature.
Those who have read The Fountainhead, also by Rand, will find similar themes present in Atlas Shrugged but expounded upon. The Fountainhead deals with the themes on an individual level while Atlas Shrugged discusses those themes within a broader social context.
I don't know that I completely agree with Rand's philosophy of objectivism or her promotion of selfishness but she certainly makes an interesting case for her argument. And there are certainly some aspects of her philosophy, such as refusing to compromise one's values, that I can subscribe to.
All economic, social, and political commentary aside, Rand's character development is about as detailed as I've ever encountered. It's obvious she knows her characters inside and out and (for the most part) keeps them consistent throughout her novel. This book is certainly a commitment to read and the first 400 pages are pretty tough to wade through but they set up the remaining 700 pages quite nicely and they certainly read much more quickly. I personally think one should read Atlas Shrugged simply to be familiar with her argument and how it possibly relates to today's economy and politics - even, and especially, if you don't agree with it.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis
I have not read as much of C.S. Lewis as I probably should have except for Mere Christianity, which it has been a number of years. However, I have several friends that read him quite often and have the best things to say of his writings.
The topic that Lewis tackles in this book is quite ambitious and I'm not sure that it can, or should, be worked out in 150 pages. That said, I appreciate Lewis recognition of the seemingly (depending on your point of view) glaring contradiction to the pain and evil in the world with the idea of a loving, all-powerful God who works all things for good.
It's certainly an issue that I have had all kinds of reservations and doubts about and I don't imagine I will ever feel completely comfortable with it. That said, I think Lewis makes an intelligent argument for his point of view that these two things are, in fact, not contradictory. He carefully builds a foundation and supporting arguments in each chapter. The chapters entitled "Divine Goodness" , "Human Wickedness", and "Human Pain" I found most interesting and relevant.
Lewis concludes the book with a chapter on "Heaven", which I suppose is a necessary topic in a spiritual book about pain as it is a Christian's hope for a place and future absent of pain, trouble, and tears. Lewis argues, in line with traditional Christian theology, that as long as we live in a "fallen" and sinful world there will always be an aspect of pain in life. And that is fine, but I have a few comments on this topic. It is not that I am uncomfortable with the idea of heaven, although I'm not sure that I have a good understanding of what that exactly is. The concept that Christians get to wonder streets of gold with crowns and jewels isn't very appealing to me and it seems more like a place that is a distorted view of what I think heaven probably is. I don't like the idea that this life is completely discounted because, after all, if God put us in this life, this world then there must be some sort of value and beauty in it. And Christ prayed that God's will be done "on earth as it is in heaven". Also, I believe that Christ came to bring hope and mercy for people in this life not just in the afterlife.
As with all of these reviews, my intention is not to provide a summary, but rather to spark your interest that you will take the time to read the book yourself based on my initial thoughts/comments despite their digression.
I'm not sure that Lewis completely resolved the issue in my mind, but he does present at least an intelligent argument for it. One of the reviews on the back of the book from the New York Times Book Review, says that "Lewis is the ideal persuader for the half-convinced, for the good man who would like to be a Christian but finds his intellect getting in the way." I resonate with that statement.
I've heard people say that you don't have to understand everything something to believe in it (for example you don't have to understand physics to believe in gravity)--which is probably true but I haven't found that very helpful, useful, or reassuring, especially when it comes to spiritual issues. After all, isn't that what makes us intrinsically human? Being able to reason and think about things. I understand that it's not realistic to expect to reason everything out when it comes to religion, which is filled with mysterious issues, and that there is a certain point when faith must take over. But it doesn't do anyone any good to not think about it either.
Well this has turned out to be more of a journal entry rather than a book review. I certainly recommend Lewis as an intelligent, reasonable apologist for Christianity.
The topic that Lewis tackles in this book is quite ambitious and I'm not sure that it can, or should, be worked out in 150 pages. That said, I appreciate Lewis recognition of the seemingly (depending on your point of view) glaring contradiction to the pain and evil in the world with the idea of a loving, all-powerful God who works all things for good.
It's certainly an issue that I have had all kinds of reservations and doubts about and I don't imagine I will ever feel completely comfortable with it. That said, I think Lewis makes an intelligent argument for his point of view that these two things are, in fact, not contradictory. He carefully builds a foundation and supporting arguments in each chapter. The chapters entitled "Divine Goodness" , "Human Wickedness", and "Human Pain" I found most interesting and relevant.
Lewis concludes the book with a chapter on "Heaven", which I suppose is a necessary topic in a spiritual book about pain as it is a Christian's hope for a place and future absent of pain, trouble, and tears. Lewis argues, in line with traditional Christian theology, that as long as we live in a "fallen" and sinful world there will always be an aspect of pain in life. And that is fine, but I have a few comments on this topic. It is not that I am uncomfortable with the idea of heaven, although I'm not sure that I have a good understanding of what that exactly is. The concept that Christians get to wonder streets of gold with crowns and jewels isn't very appealing to me and it seems more like a place that is a distorted view of what I think heaven probably is. I don't like the idea that this life is completely discounted because, after all, if God put us in this life, this world then there must be some sort of value and beauty in it. And Christ prayed that God's will be done "on earth as it is in heaven". Also, I believe that Christ came to bring hope and mercy for people in this life not just in the afterlife.
As with all of these reviews, my intention is not to provide a summary, but rather to spark your interest that you will take the time to read the book yourself based on my initial thoughts/comments despite their digression.
I'm not sure that Lewis completely resolved the issue in my mind, but he does present at least an intelligent argument for it. One of the reviews on the back of the book from the New York Times Book Review, says that "Lewis is the ideal persuader for the half-convinced, for the good man who would like to be a Christian but finds his intellect getting in the way." I resonate with that statement.
I've heard people say that you don't have to understand everything something to believe in it (for example you don't have to understand physics to believe in gravity)--which is probably true but I haven't found that very helpful, useful, or reassuring, especially when it comes to spiritual issues. After all, isn't that what makes us intrinsically human? Being able to reason and think about things. I understand that it's not realistic to expect to reason everything out when it comes to religion, which is filled with mysterious issues, and that there is a certain point when faith must take over. But it doesn't do anyone any good to not think about it either.
Well this has turned out to be more of a journal entry rather than a book review. I certainly recommend Lewis as an intelligent, reasonable apologist for Christianity.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
I am in the middle of a few books and thus have not put the proper energy into finished any of them yet resulting in a lack of blog posts recently. However, I'm quite exciting about the books upcoming that I will be reviewing.
Those books will be Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis and Seeds by Thomas Merton. Also, Atlas Shrugged is hopefully coming this summer if I ever hack my way through it. I started it a few years ago but had to set it aside 500 pages into it. However, I've committed to read it from the beginning and am listening to it on cd---the book on tape is an intimidating 50 discs!
In the meantime, there's a great organization in Lexington, Kentucky called the International Book Project that works with Peace Corps and schools and orphanages overseas by donating various types of books and educational materials. They do great work and, unfortunately, are known more around the world then they are in Lexington. Please visit the website (http://www.intlbookproject.org/) and familiarize yourself with the organization and, if possible, get involved with their work.
Those books will be Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis and Seeds by Thomas Merton. Also, Atlas Shrugged is hopefully coming this summer if I ever hack my way through it. I started it a few years ago but had to set it aside 500 pages into it. However, I've committed to read it from the beginning and am listening to it on cd---the book on tape is an intimidating 50 discs!
In the meantime, there's a great organization in Lexington, Kentucky called the International Book Project that works with Peace Corps and schools and orphanages overseas by donating various types of books and educational materials. They do great work and, unfortunately, are known more around the world then they are in Lexington. Please visit the website (http://www.intlbookproject.org/) and familiarize yourself with the organization and, if possible, get involved with their work.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stiegg Larsson
I'll celebrate summer solstice with a great summer read - The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
Although previous books reviewed have been more classic, I think there is a lot of value that serves for purely entertainment -- not much thinking required and an enjoyable story.
The story follows a discredited journalist and an eccentric hacker tasked to investigate a dead end murder case and exposing corporate corruption. The story takes maybe 100 pages to really grab your attention, but the last 500+ pages read really quickly. I was expecting a few more twists and turns within the story, but it was is entertaining nonetheless.
My only complaint (and it actually did bother me) from this book was the references the author used to popular technology products that are now out of date. I guess at the time he wrote this book the iBook was quite new but now it seems pretty outdated. I'm not sure the reason behind dropping these references because certainly he would realize that within two years no one is really going to be impressed that his characters were using an iBook. I'll admit it's a small detail but I found it pretty frustrating.
Although previous books reviewed have been more classic, I think there is a lot of value that serves for purely entertainment -- not much thinking required and an enjoyable story.
The story follows a discredited journalist and an eccentric hacker tasked to investigate a dead end murder case and exposing corporate corruption. The story takes maybe 100 pages to really grab your attention, but the last 500+ pages read really quickly. I was expecting a few more twists and turns within the story, but it was is entertaining nonetheless.
My only complaint (and it actually did bother me) from this book was the references the author used to popular technology products that are now out of date. I guess at the time he wrote this book the iBook was quite new but now it seems pretty outdated. I'm not sure the reason behind dropping these references because certainly he would realize that within two years no one is really going to be impressed that his characters were using an iBook. I'll admit it's a small detail but I found it pretty frustrating.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Blink by Macolm Gladwell
Gladwell explores the mind's capability to "thin slice" - gathering surprisingly accurate perceptions of situations within, literally, a blink of an eye and with a limited amount of information. He recounts several case studies from marriage counselors, art curators, car salesman, ER doctors, and police officers in which this technique has been used -- sometimes successfully, other times ending in disaster. Within these case studies, he explores how the mind subconsciously makes perceptions based on race, age, gender, facial expressions, etc.
He presents his argument intriguingly in the first two chapters of the book but then I became less convinced, or at least more skeptical, of his argument as I read further into the book. It seemed unclear of when it is helpful to rely on this immediate decision making and when it's dangerous.
He makes the argument that people are, in some cases, hindered in making accurate decisions by having too much information and that decisions can be made more quickly and accurately with a small amount of right information. However, figuring out which information is the right information takes a lot of information. Furthermore, that contradicts the way all of us have been taught in thinking critically and analytically, which Gladwell is aware of. He really does make a compelling case, but I found it difficult to determine when thin slicing works and when it results in disaster. For example, in one instance its saving a life in an ER room and in another it ends up in several policemen emptying their guns into an innocent young man.
The case studies he presents make the book very approachable and are appropriate for proving his point. I think that it's a useful book to help you be aware of what you are thinking and, in any case, the book has gotten enough attention that it's worth being familiar with his premise. The chapter about the psychologist predicting whether a married couple would still be together in fifteen years based listening to a brief conversation (with a 90% success rate) was my favorite anecdote.
I'm aware that I've recommended reading almost all of the books I have reviewed thus far. I don't retract any of those endorsements. But being aware of how you may subconsciously make decisions seems of a bit more relevance and importance than others I've read and suggested.
He presents his argument intriguingly in the first two chapters of the book but then I became less convinced, or at least more skeptical, of his argument as I read further into the book. It seemed unclear of when it is helpful to rely on this immediate decision making and when it's dangerous.
He makes the argument that people are, in some cases, hindered in making accurate decisions by having too much information and that decisions can be made more quickly and accurately with a small amount of right information. However, figuring out which information is the right information takes a lot of information. Furthermore, that contradicts the way all of us have been taught in thinking critically and analytically, which Gladwell is aware of. He really does make a compelling case, but I found it difficult to determine when thin slicing works and when it results in disaster. For example, in one instance its saving a life in an ER room and in another it ends up in several policemen emptying their guns into an innocent young man.
The case studies he presents make the book very approachable and are appropriate for proving his point. I think that it's a useful book to help you be aware of what you are thinking and, in any case, the book has gotten enough attention that it's worth being familiar with his premise. The chapter about the psychologist predicting whether a married couple would still be together in fifteen years based listening to a brief conversation (with a 90% success rate) was my favorite anecdote.
I'm aware that I've recommended reading almost all of the books I have reviewed thus far. I don't retract any of those endorsements. But being aware of how you may subconsciously make decisions seems of a bit more relevance and importance than others I've read and suggested.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Jack Kerouac's Big Sur
Big Sur followed Kerouac's definitive On the Road and portrays a vastly different life and dark mindset of Kerouac, although one that brings On the Road full circle. I read On the Road three years ago while driving out Seattle via Denver and absolutely fell in love with the plans-be-damned storyline and the writing style that Truman Capote famously said "isn't writing at all, it's typing".
I was expecting more of the enthralling, hundred-mile-an-hour-story in Big Sur that I had found so appealing in On The Road, but instead it shows Kerouac coping with the stardom that accompanied his "Beat-epic" and his attempt to find some sort an escape; but it is obvious that he has trouble embracing any other life than the one that made him famous. Some of my favorite parts of Big Sur is when Kerouac describes beatnik kids coming up to him and telling him about their life hoping to get some sort of confirmation from the "Beat king" that they were doing life right. Kerouac refuses and is unable to provide that sort of direction. Even more telling about Kerouac's inner dispute is his relationship from characters from On the Road , such as Neal Cassady (named Cody in Big Sur) who has a wife and family with a regular job - a much different character than OTR.
Initially, I was pretty disappointed in this different tone because I wanted to be inspired with that restless feeling that On The Road had captured so well and romanticized. Big Sur shows Kerouac losing his mind unable to find a peaceful resolution and the eroding relationships around him. However, after completing it, I feel like it completes the story of On the Road - just not in the way I dreamed. During On the Road, I never got the feeling that anyone could keep up that lifestyle forever and Big Sur reveals On The Road perhaps finally catching up with Kerouac.
Some other media suggestions related to Big Sur. There was a documentary made in 2008, which I haven't seen yet but will probably try to find it in the next week or so. Also, Jay Farrar and Ben Gibbard released an album that, I think, served as the soundtrack for the documentary, but I'm not sure. That album is called "One Fast Move or I'm Gone" and is pretty good, especially after reading the book, I think they capture that mood of the writing quite well. Gibbard also talked about Kerouac and Big Sur in an article for Paste Magazine entitled "The Meaning of Life".
Like I said, I read Big Sur trying to recapture a sense of restless adventure that I feel like I've been craving as of late. That didn't happen. So.... I'm probably going to re-read On The Road quite soon. If you've read Kerouac's stuff, I think you have to read Big Sur as it continues the story and sheds a bit more light on life post-stardom. If you're interested in checking this out, I think you'll appreciate it more after reading On The Road.
I was expecting more of the enthralling, hundred-mile-an-hour-story in Big Sur that I had found so appealing in On The Road, but instead it shows Kerouac coping with the stardom that accompanied his "Beat-epic" and his attempt to find some sort an escape; but it is obvious that he has trouble embracing any other life than the one that made him famous. Some of my favorite parts of Big Sur is when Kerouac describes beatnik kids coming up to him and telling him about their life hoping to get some sort of confirmation from the "Beat king" that they were doing life right. Kerouac refuses and is unable to provide that sort of direction. Even more telling about Kerouac's inner dispute is his relationship from characters from On the Road , such as Neal Cassady (named Cody in Big Sur) who has a wife and family with a regular job - a much different character than OTR.
Initially, I was pretty disappointed in this different tone because I wanted to be inspired with that restless feeling that On The Road had captured so well and romanticized. Big Sur shows Kerouac losing his mind unable to find a peaceful resolution and the eroding relationships around him. However, after completing it, I feel like it completes the story of On the Road - just not in the way I dreamed. During On the Road, I never got the feeling that anyone could keep up that lifestyle forever and Big Sur reveals On The Road perhaps finally catching up with Kerouac.
Some other media suggestions related to Big Sur. There was a documentary made in 2008, which I haven't seen yet but will probably try to find it in the next week or so. Also, Jay Farrar and Ben Gibbard released an album that, I think, served as the soundtrack for the documentary, but I'm not sure. That album is called "One Fast Move or I'm Gone" and is pretty good, especially after reading the book, I think they capture that mood of the writing quite well. Gibbard also talked about Kerouac and Big Sur in an article for Paste Magazine entitled "The Meaning of Life".
Like I said, I read Big Sur trying to recapture a sense of restless adventure that I feel like I've been craving as of late. That didn't happen. So.... I'm probably going to re-read On The Road quite soon. If you've read Kerouac's stuff, I think you have to read Big Sur as it continues the story and sheds a bit more light on life post-stardom. If you're interested in checking this out, I think you'll appreciate it more after reading On The Road.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Endurance by F.A. Worsley
This book recounts the tale of a Trans-Antartica expedition beginning in 1914 that goes terribly wrong. Endurance, the name of the ship which gets trapped in the ice, is an understated description of the mentality of the sailors and their leaders.
The book immediately begins with the Endurance trapped in the ice and describing the peril of their situation. However, the premise of Worsley's account centers on the inspiring leadership of Ernest Shackleton and his ability to lead the men through the worst situations. The sailors are forced to pitch camp on land until Shackelton, Worsley, and a few others embark on an 800 mile sailing journey to the closest "civilization" in the middle of the Antartic winter while the rest of the expedition await rescue for four months. The conditions that they endure are unbelievable and I can't imagine more things falling apart in the way they did. I literally was shaking my head in disbelief during the majority of the book. Even more amazing is that not a single person died on the trip despite the lack of food, provisions, shelter, and dangerous encounters. I'm not sure that men like this are made anymore.
I was so looking forward to finish this book so I could write a review about it, but this post does a poor job of capturing the story so you should just read the book for yourself. Thanks, Richard, for the recommendation and book swap!
The book immediately begins with the Endurance trapped in the ice and describing the peril of their situation. However, the premise of Worsley's account centers on the inspiring leadership of Ernest Shackleton and his ability to lead the men through the worst situations. The sailors are forced to pitch camp on land until Shackelton, Worsley, and a few others embark on an 800 mile sailing journey to the closest "civilization" in the middle of the Antartic winter while the rest of the expedition await rescue for four months. The conditions that they endure are unbelievable and I can't imagine more things falling apart in the way they did. I literally was shaking my head in disbelief during the majority of the book. Even more amazing is that not a single person died on the trip despite the lack of food, provisions, shelter, and dangerous encounters. I'm not sure that men like this are made anymore.
I was so looking forward to finish this book so I could write a review about it, but this post does a poor job of capturing the story so you should just read the book for yourself. Thanks, Richard, for the recommendation and book swap!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Palmer, Collier, Befus
Let Your Life Speak by Parker Palmer
I will admit that I am very hesitant and prematurely skeptical of motivational, leadership, and "life" books. This one came highly recommended from both my mother and father, who I have the greatest respect and admiration for, so I was willing to give this one a chance.
The reason I don't like most of these "life" books is that I feel that most of them are saying the same thing but with different words and metaphors. Although somehow it seems all of them include a story about rappelling (this book included!) and comparing to stepping of the edge to some decision in life. Plus, I have never been attracted to the idea of someone who I've never met giving me life advice and revealing an easy step by step process of finding what I should do with my life. I feel like that advice is best given by close friends and is revealed within myself.
I believe that God puts innate passions, compassions, interests, and desires within us and that finding a purpose of what we are supposed to do is a matter of following these - step by step, logical decision by logical decision. I think Palmer understands that and that is really the premise of his book, exemplified by his title.
My favorite part of the book was the final chapter dealing with the seasons of life. Although I'm sure not totally original, I read it at a good time in my life - timing really is everything. Palmer presents different periods of life into the seasons of nature and discusses how each should be enjoyed and how it naturally progresses and is connected to the other seasons. Although most everyone enjoys the warm weather of spring and summer, he talks about how these aren't possible without the death that comes with winter. Each season, each period in life is important and is preparing for the next natural progression. Learning to enjoy each season for what it offers and what it is preparing you for is not easy and I think only comes with maturity and patience. I'm trying to enjoy whatever situation I am currently in rather than always discounting where I am because I'm always anxiously waiting to move on to the next phase. Although I'm naturally always looking to make the next step in life, I've realized that doing that causes me to overlook the people I am with now and the opportunities that I have, even though it might not be my ideal situation. It's a season and it's temporary...
Wars, Guns, and Votes by Paul Collier
Paul Collier, an economist at Oxford Univeristy, follows up The Bottom Billion (a book Collier claims is an economics book you can read at the beach) with a book building on additional research about "democracy in dangerous places".
First of all, let's talk about The Bottom Billion, a book I became familiar with because it was on my graduate summer reading. Anyone who is remotely interested in global poverty, humanitarian work, or international affairs should read this book. It literally is that important. Collier lays out four traps that countries housing the bottom billion poorest people - mostly in Africa, but not exclusively - find themselves in. It is surprisingly readable for an economics book. In my opinion, economists are the most well-equipped professionals to form solutions for global poverty and it is about time that we start listening to them. Let me explicitly say, you need to read The Bottom Billion. In fact, you need to read it before Wars, Guns, and Votes, but let's talk about this one.
Democracy is a beautiful thing when it works, but, as Collier shows in this book, it is a dangerous thing when it a country is not ready for it. Countries that lack the ability to provide essential basic public goods (meaning security for its citizens. this is way before they start considering education or healthcare) find themselves in a dangerous cycle of violence and elections and under the constant threat of a coup and civil war - essentially economic development in reverse. Most importantly, do not mistake elections for democracy. In countries that are plagued be corruption, it is not an accurate portrayal of democratic elections. Collier, a development expert, insists that security is tantamount before any amount of investment or development can be done.
I loved this book. I love the subject matter it deals with, Collier's style of writing based on extensive quantitative data, and the conclusions and recommends that he finishes with. But like I said, this should be read after The Bottom Billion, which puts everything he says into context.
Where There Are No Jobs by David Befus
I'm not going to talk too much about this one, as its intended audience is extremely focused. Befus writes this book towards those who are looking to start or be involved in a microfinance business in poor, underdeveloped countries. He outlines an organizational structure, management strategies, and financially sustainable policies for developing and maintaining a microfinance venture.
It you're interested in microfinance, I'd recommend checking it out because it gives good advice on how to do good work and how to do it well. It's a little too dense for someone with a casual interest in development economics. I'd suggest skipping this and reading The Bottom Billion.
I will admit that I am very hesitant and prematurely skeptical of motivational, leadership, and "life" books. This one came highly recommended from both my mother and father, who I have the greatest respect and admiration for, so I was willing to give this one a chance.
The reason I don't like most of these "life" books is that I feel that most of them are saying the same thing but with different words and metaphors. Although somehow it seems all of them include a story about rappelling (this book included!) and comparing to stepping of the edge to some decision in life. Plus, I have never been attracted to the idea of someone who I've never met giving me life advice and revealing an easy step by step process of finding what I should do with my life. I feel like that advice is best given by close friends and is revealed within myself.
I believe that God puts innate passions, compassions, interests, and desires within us and that finding a purpose of what we are supposed to do is a matter of following these - step by step, logical decision by logical decision. I think Palmer understands that and that is really the premise of his book, exemplified by his title.
My favorite part of the book was the final chapter dealing with the seasons of life. Although I'm sure not totally original, I read it at a good time in my life - timing really is everything. Palmer presents different periods of life into the seasons of nature and discusses how each should be enjoyed and how it naturally progresses and is connected to the other seasons. Although most everyone enjoys the warm weather of spring and summer, he talks about how these aren't possible without the death that comes with winter. Each season, each period in life is important and is preparing for the next natural progression. Learning to enjoy each season for what it offers and what it is preparing you for is not easy and I think only comes with maturity and patience. I'm trying to enjoy whatever situation I am currently in rather than always discounting where I am because I'm always anxiously waiting to move on to the next phase. Although I'm naturally always looking to make the next step in life, I've realized that doing that causes me to overlook the people I am with now and the opportunities that I have, even though it might not be my ideal situation. It's a season and it's temporary...
Wars, Guns, and Votes by Paul Collier
Paul Collier, an economist at Oxford Univeristy, follows up The Bottom Billion (a book Collier claims is an economics book you can read at the beach) with a book building on additional research about "democracy in dangerous places".
First of all, let's talk about The Bottom Billion, a book I became familiar with because it was on my graduate summer reading. Anyone who is remotely interested in global poverty, humanitarian work, or international affairs should read this book. It literally is that important. Collier lays out four traps that countries housing the bottom billion poorest people - mostly in Africa, but not exclusively - find themselves in. It is surprisingly readable for an economics book. In my opinion, economists are the most well-equipped professionals to form solutions for global poverty and it is about time that we start listening to them. Let me explicitly say, you need to read The Bottom Billion. In fact, you need to read it before Wars, Guns, and Votes, but let's talk about this one.
Democracy is a beautiful thing when it works, but, as Collier shows in this book, it is a dangerous thing when it a country is not ready for it. Countries that lack the ability to provide essential basic public goods (meaning security for its citizens. this is way before they start considering education or healthcare) find themselves in a dangerous cycle of violence and elections and under the constant threat of a coup and civil war - essentially economic development in reverse. Most importantly, do not mistake elections for democracy. In countries that are plagued be corruption, it is not an accurate portrayal of democratic elections. Collier, a development expert, insists that security is tantamount before any amount of investment or development can be done.
I loved this book. I love the subject matter it deals with, Collier's style of writing based on extensive quantitative data, and the conclusions and recommends that he finishes with. But like I said, this should be read after The Bottom Billion, which puts everything he says into context.
Where There Are No Jobs by David Befus
I'm not going to talk too much about this one, as its intended audience is extremely focused. Befus writes this book towards those who are looking to start or be involved in a microfinance business in poor, underdeveloped countries. He outlines an organizational structure, management strategies, and financially sustainable policies for developing and maintaining a microfinance venture.
It you're interested in microfinance, I'd recommend checking it out because it gives good advice on how to do good work and how to do it well. It's a little too dense for someone with a casual interest in development economics. I'd suggest skipping this and reading The Bottom Billion.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Achebe, Wilde, Rand
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
I'd started this book once before, two years ago if I remember correctly, but couldn't take to it. This time, however I found the story to move very quickly and extremely interesting. The novel is very "African" in nature and follows the story a African tribal leader, who is considered an alpha male due to his obsession with work, removal of emotional-driven actions, and harsh, blunt personality contrasted with his father, whom he despises.
The book follows the digression and his descent from a respected, prominent leader in his tribe to his 7 year exile for manslaughter and reemergence into the tribe only to discover his irrelevance and the lifestyle he put so much faith in being eroded by Christian missionaries.
I think the idea of a "strong man" is especially relevant in African culture, specifically in political leaders. African strong man range from inspiring examples of leadership to those who have plagued their countries with woeful, sometimes oppressive governance. Additionally, there's a part of me that wants to decry the colonialism of Africa, as represented by the Christian missionaries, but I'll resist. But the fact that Achebe includes a character that represents colonialism further shows that it is an ever-present issue in African countries.
I'd recommend this book for sure...
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
I'll be the first to admit that I haven't given much attempt to read plays in the past. I've struggled through some Shakespeare and enjoyed Death of a Salesman, but that's about the extent of it.
I read this book upon the recommendation of a wonderfully pleasant and friendly female co-worker of mine from New Zealand. All I care to say about this is that it's terribly clever and entertaining. I had never read anything written by Wilde before and I was literally laughing out loud reading this book. I thought this play was masterfully written as ironic social commentary, specifically on the institution and practice of marriage. It seems to treat the serious matters as trivial and the trivial matters are treated quite seriously.
One of the things I enjoy about reading plays is that it is strictly dialogue, thus it reads quite quickly. Do yourself a favor and spend an afternoon reading this, if nothing else for entertainment's sake. Thanks Therese for the recommendation!
Night of January Sixteenth by Ayn Rand
Another play! Rand is better known for her novels The Fountainhead, Atlas Shrugged, and Anthem, but this is a refreshing change and a well-thought out courtroom drama.
Originally produced in 1934, Rand lets the audience play an active role in the plot and direction of the verdict. Members of the audience volunteered to serve as the jurors and then determined the verdict. Equally damning and acquitting evidence is presented on the behalf of Karen Andre, the mistress of Bjorn Faulkner and accused of his murder.
A number of witnesses are called to testify and present conflicting stories, so some of them are lying, although the actors themselves are not aware of what is the "correct" story. The truth and verdict would change each night with a different audience. I found this extremely entertaining and would love to see it performed. In my opinion, Rand's greatest strength is character development, as exemplified through her more famous characters such as Howard Roark in The Fountainhead. She certainly knows her characters inside and out and is unforgiving in her presentation of them. I think this is shown in this play as I constantly changed my personal verdict of Andre with each new witness.
Again, its a quick read and I think you'll find it as intriguing as I did. Also, if you haven't read Rand before, she is an author you should become more familiar with.
I'd started this book once before, two years ago if I remember correctly, but couldn't take to it. This time, however I found the story to move very quickly and extremely interesting. The novel is very "African" in nature and follows the story a African tribal leader, who is considered an alpha male due to his obsession with work, removal of emotional-driven actions, and harsh, blunt personality contrasted with his father, whom he despises.
The book follows the digression and his descent from a respected, prominent leader in his tribe to his 7 year exile for manslaughter and reemergence into the tribe only to discover his irrelevance and the lifestyle he put so much faith in being eroded by Christian missionaries.
I think the idea of a "strong man" is especially relevant in African culture, specifically in political leaders. African strong man range from inspiring examples of leadership to those who have plagued their countries with woeful, sometimes oppressive governance. Additionally, there's a part of me that wants to decry the colonialism of Africa, as represented by the Christian missionaries, but I'll resist. But the fact that Achebe includes a character that represents colonialism further shows that it is an ever-present issue in African countries.
I'd recommend this book for sure...
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
I'll be the first to admit that I haven't given much attempt to read plays in the past. I've struggled through some Shakespeare and enjoyed Death of a Salesman, but that's about the extent of it.
I read this book upon the recommendation of a wonderfully pleasant and friendly female co-worker of mine from New Zealand. All I care to say about this is that it's terribly clever and entertaining. I had never read anything written by Wilde before and I was literally laughing out loud reading this book. I thought this play was masterfully written as ironic social commentary, specifically on the institution and practice of marriage. It seems to treat the serious matters as trivial and the trivial matters are treated quite seriously.
One of the things I enjoy about reading plays is that it is strictly dialogue, thus it reads quite quickly. Do yourself a favor and spend an afternoon reading this, if nothing else for entertainment's sake. Thanks Therese for the recommendation!
Night of January Sixteenth by Ayn Rand
Another play! Rand is better known for her novels The Fountainhead, Atlas Shrugged, and Anthem, but this is a refreshing change and a well-thought out courtroom drama.
Originally produced in 1934, Rand lets the audience play an active role in the plot and direction of the verdict. Members of the audience volunteered to serve as the jurors and then determined the verdict. Equally damning and acquitting evidence is presented on the behalf of Karen Andre, the mistress of Bjorn Faulkner and accused of his murder.
A number of witnesses are called to testify and present conflicting stories, so some of them are lying, although the actors themselves are not aware of what is the "correct" story. The truth and verdict would change each night with a different audience. I found this extremely entertaining and would love to see it performed. In my opinion, Rand's greatest strength is character development, as exemplified through her more famous characters such as Howard Roark in The Fountainhead. She certainly knows her characters inside and out and is unforgiving in her presentation of them. I think this is shown in this play as I constantly changed my personal verdict of Andre with each new witness.
Again, its a quick read and I think you'll find it as intriguing as I did. Also, if you haven't read Rand before, she is an author you should become more familiar with.
Sinclair, Martel, Cannon
Oil! by Upton Sinclair
This book got a lot of attention with the release of There Will Be Blood in 2007, which is how I became familiar with it. However, the movie is very loosely based on just the 100 pages or so of Sinclair's novel. I don't think that the makers of the movie had any desire to re-create the story that Sinclair presents, but gathers some inspiration and similar themes.
I'm only familiar with one other book written by Sinclair (The Jungle), but in both he does a marvelous job of framing a story with social commentary, specifically social injustice and economics, which I'm naturally attracted to.
The story follows an oil tycoon rise to prominence and wealth through a number of shrewd land acquisitions sitting on oceans of oil. Motivated by greed and fueled by corruption, Mr. Ross becomes influential in local and national politics to protect his industry. Ross's un-admirable characteristics allow him to succeed in his business and are contrasted by his son (Bunny) idealistic but naive perception of how the world should work. Bunny comes to idolize Paul Watkins, a friend whose attraction stems from his worldly exposure and free thinking. This due to his time spent in the military in Russia and comes to sympathize with the workers of the Bolshevik Revolution--he then attempts to re-create this within the United States and specifically among the oil workers, which threatens Ross's business and livelihood.
To me, the brilliance of this book is the dynamic between Bunny and his father (Ross). Bunny, who very impressionable, buys into Paul's "radical" ideas and comes to actively work on behalf of oil workers and to damage his father's business, while at the same time living extravagantly and taking advantage of his inherited wealth. Ross, despite his character flaws, gains the readers sympathy by funding his son's idealistic philosophy and finances bailing Paul out of prison time and time again.
Equally as interesting is the role of religion, played by a preacher (Paul's brother) who takes preys on his congregation to become as wealthy and influential as Ross in the local community. Ross sees through the hypocritical, paper-thin theology of the preacher but continues to involve him in the business and decisions as they affect the local town. It's a fascinating comparison of showing church as a business-- showing religion requiring just as much greed and corruption as Ross's oil industry.
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
I read this book about three and a half years ago while living in Taiwan based on the recommendation of the two good friends I was living with at the time. I think its one of the most entertaining, thoughtful books I've read. I think I could re-read it several times and take new things away from it every time and have different interpretations of the ending.
The book's prelude starts out with the author describing how he came across the tale, including an ambitious statement saying that this story will make you believe in God. I'm not sure it lived up to that promise (I believe in God most days but for other reasons than this book), but its got interesting things to say about the mysticism and unknown aspects of spirituality.
The basic premise of the story revolves around an Indian boy (Pi) and a Bengal tiger (Richard Parker) end up on a lifeboat following a shipwreck. Pi, the son of a zookeeper, and his family are moving from the India to Canada, which gives you some context of how the story is set up.
The first hundred pages follow Pi's religious experiments with Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam and weighing each of their admirable characteristics and drawbacks. I remember three years ago when I read this being intrigued by this part of the story. I have really grown to appreciate the strengths and appealing parts of other religions. For instance, the social consciousness of Hinduism and the faithfulness and dedication in prayer of Islam are all concepts I admire. In the end, my theology ends up closer to Christianity than the others, but I think its healthy habit to appreciate the strengths of the religions, political views, people that you don't agree with rather than focusing on what you the differences.
I guess I'm really not sure how much more I feel comfortable sharing on this blog about the book because the ending is certainly the crux and I'd hate to remotely hint at it. I've always wanted to participate in a book club that studies this book cause I would love to hear other people's insights and thoughts on it. If you have read this book, I'd really value your take on it.
Revolutionary Cuba by Terence Cannon
The first non-fiction book to make the list! After reading Islands in the Stream and having my interest re-ignited in Cuba, my mother suggested this historical book for me to read. My mother grew up in Cuba and her parents were Methodist missionaries there around the time when Castro was coming into power and I'm beginning to look into PhD programs in economic history looking at the Cuba's economic development history. I mentioned before that I thought Iran was one of the most misunderstood countries and I would include Cuba on that list as well. Of course, part of that is their own fault for creating such closed, restrictive societies.
This book was written in 1980 and Cannon comes across as very sympathetic to Castro and how the Cuban Revolution developed in the late 1950's and throughout the 1960's. I found the economic history of Cuba incredibly interesting--beginning from its colonization by Spain to its dependence on the Soviet Union. Indeed, I think a proper understanding of this is necessary to figure out how the foreign policy of the U.S. is shaped towards Cuba--which I think to be one of the most backward, misconstrued relationships we have with a country.
Cannon suggests that Cuba was exploited through colonization and it become an economy that relied exclusively on sugar and, to a lesser degree, coffee exports. For the rest of its goods and services, Cuba heavily relief on imports from the United States, thus tying the standard of living on trade with the U.S. When the trade embargo was put into place, Cannon implies that Cuba had little alternative but to turn to the Soviet Union to substitute the goods it had previously imported from the United States.
Cannon's presentation of the Cuban Revolution, Castro, and his motives for replacing Batista is quite gracious and I think he makes several good points. Writing in 1980, Cannon seems very optimistic about Cuba and Castro's leadership and the direction of the economy. Of course, thirty years later with the benefit of hindsight, the reader can't help but feel like Cannon is driving blind towards a cliff. Clearly, Cannon misdiagnosed the scenario but this serves a useful commentary the economy, history, and Revolution.
This book got a lot of attention with the release of There Will Be Blood in 2007, which is how I became familiar with it. However, the movie is very loosely based on just the 100 pages or so of Sinclair's novel. I don't think that the makers of the movie had any desire to re-create the story that Sinclair presents, but gathers some inspiration and similar themes.
I'm only familiar with one other book written by Sinclair (The Jungle), but in both he does a marvelous job of framing a story with social commentary, specifically social injustice and economics, which I'm naturally attracted to.
The story follows an oil tycoon rise to prominence and wealth through a number of shrewd land acquisitions sitting on oceans of oil. Motivated by greed and fueled by corruption, Mr. Ross becomes influential in local and national politics to protect his industry. Ross's un-admirable characteristics allow him to succeed in his business and are contrasted by his son (Bunny) idealistic but naive perception of how the world should work. Bunny comes to idolize Paul Watkins, a friend whose attraction stems from his worldly exposure and free thinking. This due to his time spent in the military in Russia and comes to sympathize with the workers of the Bolshevik Revolution--he then attempts to re-create this within the United States and specifically among the oil workers, which threatens Ross's business and livelihood.
To me, the brilliance of this book is the dynamic between Bunny and his father (Ross). Bunny, who very impressionable, buys into Paul's "radical" ideas and comes to actively work on behalf of oil workers and to damage his father's business, while at the same time living extravagantly and taking advantage of his inherited wealth. Ross, despite his character flaws, gains the readers sympathy by funding his son's idealistic philosophy and finances bailing Paul out of prison time and time again.
Equally as interesting is the role of religion, played by a preacher (Paul's brother) who takes preys on his congregation to become as wealthy and influential as Ross in the local community. Ross sees through the hypocritical, paper-thin theology of the preacher but continues to involve him in the business and decisions as they affect the local town. It's a fascinating comparison of showing church as a business-- showing religion requiring just as much greed and corruption as Ross's oil industry.
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
I read this book about three and a half years ago while living in Taiwan based on the recommendation of the two good friends I was living with at the time. I think its one of the most entertaining, thoughtful books I've read. I think I could re-read it several times and take new things away from it every time and have different interpretations of the ending.
The book's prelude starts out with the author describing how he came across the tale, including an ambitious statement saying that this story will make you believe in God. I'm not sure it lived up to that promise (I believe in God most days but for other reasons than this book), but its got interesting things to say about the mysticism and unknown aspects of spirituality.
The basic premise of the story revolves around an Indian boy (Pi) and a Bengal tiger (Richard Parker) end up on a lifeboat following a shipwreck. Pi, the son of a zookeeper, and his family are moving from the India to Canada, which gives you some context of how the story is set up.
The first hundred pages follow Pi's religious experiments with Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam and weighing each of their admirable characteristics and drawbacks. I remember three years ago when I read this being intrigued by this part of the story. I have really grown to appreciate the strengths and appealing parts of other religions. For instance, the social consciousness of Hinduism and the faithfulness and dedication in prayer of Islam are all concepts I admire. In the end, my theology ends up closer to Christianity than the others, but I think its healthy habit to appreciate the strengths of the religions, political views, people that you don't agree with rather than focusing on what you the differences.
I guess I'm really not sure how much more I feel comfortable sharing on this blog about the book because the ending is certainly the crux and I'd hate to remotely hint at it. I've always wanted to participate in a book club that studies this book cause I would love to hear other people's insights and thoughts on it. If you have read this book, I'd really value your take on it.
Revolutionary Cuba by Terence Cannon
The first non-fiction book to make the list! After reading Islands in the Stream and having my interest re-ignited in Cuba, my mother suggested this historical book for me to read. My mother grew up in Cuba and her parents were Methodist missionaries there around the time when Castro was coming into power and I'm beginning to look into PhD programs in economic history looking at the Cuba's economic development history. I mentioned before that I thought Iran was one of the most misunderstood countries and I would include Cuba on that list as well. Of course, part of that is their own fault for creating such closed, restrictive societies.
This book was written in 1980 and Cannon comes across as very sympathetic to Castro and how the Cuban Revolution developed in the late 1950's and throughout the 1960's. I found the economic history of Cuba incredibly interesting--beginning from its colonization by Spain to its dependence on the Soviet Union. Indeed, I think a proper understanding of this is necessary to figure out how the foreign policy of the U.S. is shaped towards Cuba--which I think to be one of the most backward, misconstrued relationships we have with a country.
Cannon suggests that Cuba was exploited through colonization and it become an economy that relied exclusively on sugar and, to a lesser degree, coffee exports. For the rest of its goods and services, Cuba heavily relief on imports from the United States, thus tying the standard of living on trade with the U.S. When the trade embargo was put into place, Cannon implies that Cuba had little alternative but to turn to the Soviet Union to substitute the goods it had previously imported from the United States.
Cannon's presentation of the Cuban Revolution, Castro, and his motives for replacing Batista is quite gracious and I think he makes several good points. Writing in 1980, Cannon seems very optimistic about Cuba and Castro's leadership and the direction of the economy. Of course, thirty years later with the benefit of hindsight, the reader can't help but feel like Cannon is driving blind towards a cliff. Clearly, Cannon misdiagnosed the scenario but this serves a useful commentary the economy, history, and Revolution.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Dostoyevsky, Satrapi, Hemingway
Islands in the Stream - Ernest Hemingway
I love Hemingway - his short, terse prose, masterful storytelling, tragically flawed characters, and the locations of his stories I find fascinating. The book, published posthumously, is broken up into 3 stories that follows Thomas Hudson through different stages of his life on Cuba. The first of the three short stories was by far my favorite. It's classic Hemingway in every sense. A strong protagonist but noticeably flawed - although the two aren't disconnected. It is his flaws that make him a strong character. I think I liked this first short story the best because the presence of Hudson's sons and the noticeable transfer of qualities--good and bad--from Hudson to his four sons. The section ends tragically leaving me with a feeling reminiscent of A Farewell to Arms, my favorite book--Hemingway or otherwise.
I felt like I liked each section less and less as I progressed throughout the book, but the book concluded with a sad, but satisfied ending--one that I felt was consistent with the character. I think that these are Hemingway's greatest strengths - character development and consistency. Maybe that's why readers (me, at least) connect so well with his characters and get invested in their personalities. Hemingway's writing lives in the thoughts of his characters and the reader is able to follow the protagonist's thought process and rationale. I would recommend (several) other Hemingway books before this one and actually I think this actually works better after reading other Hemingway writings and more familiar with his process and other characters.
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
This graphic novel follows the progression of a young girl growing up in Iran after the Islamic Revolution. I wasn't familiar with this book until a professor at Patterson recommended and I had never read a graphic novel before. I was, and still am, I admit, quite ignorant about the history of Iran and I think it is probably one of the most misunderstood countries and that people are quick to make judgments without properly understanding its rich history and culture and the Persian pride that accompanies it.
Anyways, back to the book. I think that the comic drawings included in the book bring a lighter mood and sense of humor to an otherwise scary, repressive historical time. The book recounts Satrapi's childhood growing up in post-Shah Iran and a secular family adjusting to the harsh social restrictions placed on the Iranian people. The book chronicles social, religious, and political changes and happenings in Iran during the Revolution. It is a brief, but effective introduction in capturing the mood of an important historical event.
There is a sequel to Persepolis, which I haven't read, although I did see the highly acclaimed movie 2007 movie that follows the story Persepolis and Persepolis 2: The Story of Return. Although the movie follows closely to the book, story and graphically, I didn't really care for it. I thought the book and its comics were much more effective. Definitely check this one out... you can read it in an afternoon.
The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Any Dostoyevsky is a tough read, but rewarding when you complete. This is the third book of his that I've read (Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamazov being the first two) and this is my least favorite of the three. The first 50-100 of most Dostoyevsky books are a dense but necessary character development and I always have trouble keeping the Russian character names straight, as nicknames are often used.
The story follows Prince Lev Nikolaevich Myshkin as he returns from living in Switzerland where he was being treated for epilepsy and his love and relationship towards two women, Nastasya Filipovna and Aglaya. I'll let you read the book or the synopsis of the story somewhere else, mostly because I don't feel like I adequately remember or followed it accurately enough.
I found it a dense, tough book to get through and struggled with it for a couple weeks. The last two hundred pages read much faster that the previous several hundred. I don't think this is a must read, by any means. I definitely felt a sense of accomplishment/satisfaction when I finished, but I think it was mostly pride that I'd survived the 700+ pages. I'm not sure that I had a complete resolution to the story that I was hoping, but again, I didn't follow the plot as well as I would've liked. Read Dostoyevsky - just maybe not this one.
I love Hemingway - his short, terse prose, masterful storytelling, tragically flawed characters, and the locations of his stories I find fascinating. The book, published posthumously, is broken up into 3 stories that follows Thomas Hudson through different stages of his life on Cuba. The first of the three short stories was by far my favorite. It's classic Hemingway in every sense. A strong protagonist but noticeably flawed - although the two aren't disconnected. It is his flaws that make him a strong character. I think I liked this first short story the best because the presence of Hudson's sons and the noticeable transfer of qualities--good and bad--from Hudson to his four sons. The section ends tragically leaving me with a feeling reminiscent of A Farewell to Arms, my favorite book--Hemingway or otherwise.
I felt like I liked each section less and less as I progressed throughout the book, but the book concluded with a sad, but satisfied ending--one that I felt was consistent with the character. I think that these are Hemingway's greatest strengths - character development and consistency. Maybe that's why readers (me, at least) connect so well with his characters and get invested in their personalities. Hemingway's writing lives in the thoughts of his characters and the reader is able to follow the protagonist's thought process and rationale. I would recommend (several) other Hemingway books before this one and actually I think this actually works better after reading other Hemingway writings and more familiar with his process and other characters.
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
This graphic novel follows the progression of a young girl growing up in Iran after the Islamic Revolution. I wasn't familiar with this book until a professor at Patterson recommended and I had never read a graphic novel before. I was, and still am, I admit, quite ignorant about the history of Iran and I think it is probably one of the most misunderstood countries and that people are quick to make judgments without properly understanding its rich history and culture and the Persian pride that accompanies it.
Anyways, back to the book. I think that the comic drawings included in the book bring a lighter mood and sense of humor to an otherwise scary, repressive historical time. The book recounts Satrapi's childhood growing up in post-Shah Iran and a secular family adjusting to the harsh social restrictions placed on the Iranian people. The book chronicles social, religious, and political changes and happenings in Iran during the Revolution. It is a brief, but effective introduction in capturing the mood of an important historical event.
There is a sequel to Persepolis, which I haven't read, although I did see the highly acclaimed movie 2007 movie that follows the story Persepolis and Persepolis 2: The Story of Return. Although the movie follows closely to the book, story and graphically, I didn't really care for it. I thought the book and its comics were much more effective. Definitely check this one out... you can read it in an afternoon.
The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Any Dostoyevsky is a tough read, but rewarding when you complete. This is the third book of his that I've read (Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamazov being the first two) and this is my least favorite of the three. The first 50-100 of most Dostoyevsky books are a dense but necessary character development and I always have trouble keeping the Russian character names straight, as nicknames are often used.
The story follows Prince Lev Nikolaevich Myshkin as he returns from living in Switzerland where he was being treated for epilepsy and his love and relationship towards two women, Nastasya Filipovna and Aglaya. I'll let you read the book or the synopsis of the story somewhere else, mostly because I don't feel like I adequately remember or followed it accurately enough.
I found it a dense, tough book to get through and struggled with it for a couple weeks. The last two hundred pages read much faster that the previous several hundred. I don't think this is a must read, by any means. I definitely felt a sense of accomplishment/satisfaction when I finished, but I think it was mostly pride that I'd survived the 700+ pages. I'm not sure that I had a complete resolution to the story that I was hoping, but again, I didn't follow the plot as well as I would've liked. Read Dostoyevsky - just maybe not this one.
Sallinger, London, McCarthy
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
A bleak tale that was portrayed well in the 2009 movie with Viggo Mortensen. The book seemed much more depressing than the movie because the movie was able to capture the father-son relationship on screen in a redeeming way. McCarthy uses the language and diction quite well to capture the desperateness of the scenario, allowing the reader to vividly believe the emptiness of the post-apocalyptic environment. I realize that maybe this description doesn't inspire much desire to read this book, especially as spring is upon us, but I really enjoyed it. I think that the book and movie compliment each other quite nicely and think that both mediums present a unique perspective--I wouldn't pass on either one.
The Assassination Bureau - Jack London
This has been my favorite book that I've read this year to date (April 26, 2010). London is an absolute splendid storyteller, of course, although this one is different from his other "Yukon tales" of adventure and wilderness that I've read in Call of the Wild, White Fang, and his short stories. The story centers around a group obsessed with ethical behavior who, ironically, hire themselves out as assassins. Before they agree to the hit, they must be convinced that the target has done something deserving of being killed for. The rest of the story plays out intriguingly as the characters become more and more intertwined.
Catcher in the Rye - J.D. Sallinger
I read this book about once a year and it happened to be the first one I picked this year. It turned out to be interesting timing since Sallinger passed later that month. I've always loved Caulfield's dialogue, especially with his professor at the beginning of the book and with "Ackley-kid". Although not my favorite Sallinger book, I'll always come back to this book for a quick, interesting read.
A bleak tale that was portrayed well in the 2009 movie with Viggo Mortensen. The book seemed much more depressing than the movie because the movie was able to capture the father-son relationship on screen in a redeeming way. McCarthy uses the language and diction quite well to capture the desperateness of the scenario, allowing the reader to vividly believe the emptiness of the post-apocalyptic environment. I realize that maybe this description doesn't inspire much desire to read this book, especially as spring is upon us, but I really enjoyed it. I think that the book and movie compliment each other quite nicely and think that both mediums present a unique perspective--I wouldn't pass on either one.
The Assassination Bureau - Jack London
This has been my favorite book that I've read this year to date (April 26, 2010). London is an absolute splendid storyteller, of course, although this one is different from his other "Yukon tales" of adventure and wilderness that I've read in Call of the Wild, White Fang, and his short stories. The story centers around a group obsessed with ethical behavior who, ironically, hire themselves out as assassins. Before they agree to the hit, they must be convinced that the target has done something deserving of being killed for. The rest of the story plays out intriguingly as the characters become more and more intertwined.
Catcher in the Rye - J.D. Sallinger
I read this book about once a year and it happened to be the first one I picked this year. It turned out to be interesting timing since Sallinger passed later that month. I've always loved Caulfield's dialogue, especially with his professor at the beginning of the book and with "Ackley-kid". Although not my favorite Sallinger book, I'll always come back to this book for a quick, interesting read.
2010 Book Reviews
Finishing up graduate school has allowed me the time and flexibility to renew reading for pleasure on a wide variety of subjects. I'll use this blog to share with you what I have recently finished reading. I don't really intend to "review" the books but rather provide my brief initial thoughts on the book. but I hope you find this useful or, at least, interesting and welcome your feedback on it!
For clarity's sake, I've listed the books in the order that I read them--starting with Catcher in the Rye. I'll be posting the reviews three at a time until I catch up with what I've already read this year.
For clarity's sake, I've listed the books in the order that I read them--starting with Catcher in the Rye. I'll be posting the reviews three at a time until I catch up with what I've already read this year.
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